Signors to union



Aug. 6, 1929.

N. v. CHRISTENSEN ET AL 1,723,133

FILLED BAG CLOSING MACHINE Filed May 21, 1926 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 tfrzz;;ij mmwmm 760 6' 4 J M J a I .5] v 4 i l 4 j J gwwmtozs WW u M m WW g r v Aug. 6,1929. N. v. CHRISTENSEN E AL FILLED BAG CLOSING MACHINE Filed May 21, 1926 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Aug. 6, 1929- N. v. CHRISTENEEN ET AL 1,

FILLED BAG CLOSING MACHINE Filed May 21, 1926 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 Mfg/u? wiatbozmgs Aug. 6, 1929.

N. V, CHRISTENSEN ET AL Filed May 21, 1926 9 Sheets-Sheet '4 Aug. 6, 1929. N. v. CHRISTENSEN ET AL 1,723,133

FILLED BAG CLCSING MACHINE Filed May 21, 1926 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 anon Mug Aug. 6, 1929. N. v. CHRISTENSEN ET AL 1, 3

FILLED BAG CLOSING MACHINE Fild May 21, 1926 9 SheetS -Sheet 6 Aug. 6, 1929- N. v. CHRISTENS-EN ET AL 1,723,133

FILLED B-AG CLOSING MACHINE Filed May '21, 1926 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 l I E. ag a i 5 19 i i I g 16 1 i- J I i E 4 L4 s' I 1 7 3 Aug. 6, 1929.

N. V. CHRISTENSEN ET AL FILLED BAG CLOSING MACHINE Filed May 21, 1926 9 Sheets- Sheet 3 75.? h.%\ HH E \Q m IIII 2 v .O :1 I Q Q wk \Q N h wulo m W ll'liilll W W N 7 \Q Q Aug. 6, 1929. Q N. v. CHRISTENSEN ET AL 1,

FILLED BAG CLOSING MACHINE Filed May 21, 1926 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 Patented Aug. 6, 1929.

UNITED STATES 1,723,133 PATENT OFFICE.

NORMAN V. CHRISTENSEN AND WALTER M. HANNEMAN, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, AS-

$IGNORS T UNION SPECIAL MACHINE PORATION OF ILLINOIS.

COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A COR- FILLED-BAG-CLOSING MACHINE.

Application filed May 21,

The invention relates to new and useful improvements in filled hag closing machines, and more particularly to a filled bag closing machine wherein the sewing head may be moved relative to the filled bag during the stitching of the mouth of the bag.

.nn object of the invention is to provide a filled bag closing machine wherein the sewing head and the actuating means therefor is mounted on a carriage, which carriage can be removed from the tracks on which the carriage travels as a unit, without in any Way disturbing the devices whereby the operator controls the actuation of the sewing head and the operation of the actuating devices.

A further object of the invention is to provide a filled. hag sewing machine of the above type wherein the sewing head is driven by the motor and the motor and sewing head are so mounted on the carriage that the weight of the carriage unit is center near the main front rail of the track, so that the motor may be utilized tocounterbalance the weight of the overhanging sewing head.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the above type wherein the tracks may be bodily moved toward or from the front of the machine for positioning the sewing head so that the sewing head may be placed to travel at different distances from the frame of the machine and thus properly positioned for stitching different sized bags.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the above type wherein the rails along which the carriage travels are in clined toward the initial starting point for the sewing of the bag, whereby the carriage may be returned by gravity after the bag is closed, and to provide in addition thereto, means in which power is stored during the stitching of the bag to bring about the initial starting of the carriage on its return and-for facilitating its return to its initial starting position for sewing.

A. still. further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the above type wherein the sewing head is controlled by one clutch and the carriage traverse by another clutch which is independent of the first-named clutch, and to provide treadle controlled means for actuating the clutches which includes devices which may be readily adjusted and set so that the operator may either start 1926. Serial No. 110,696.

the carriage and sewinghead simultaneously, or actuate the sewing head while the carriage is standing still, or cause the carriage to travel while the sewing mechanism is idle.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the above type wherein devices are provided for disengaging the clutch which causes the carriage to travel, provided the operator neglects to open the clutch through the treadle control therefor.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the above type wherein carriage traverse power is applied close to the carriage supporting wheels and close to the center of gravity of the carriageunit, so that said carriage will be caused to move smooth; ly without twisting or tilting of the parts.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the above type Wherein the tracks for the carriage can be readily raised or lowered for bags of different heights.

These and other objects will in part be obvious and will in part be hereinafter more fully disclosed. g

In the drawings which show by way of illustration one embodiment of the invention-- Figure 1 is a front elevation of filled bag sewing machine embodying the improvements, the sewing head being omitted;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the machine with the sewing head broken away;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged View of the upper portion of the right-hand side of the machine, the sewing head being also broken away in this Figure;

Fig. l is a side View of the right-hand side of-the machine with the right-hand column broken away to show the inside of the left-- hand column; I

Fig. 5 is an enlarged plan view of the machine;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the main supporting frame and tracks, with portions of the tracks broken away so as to show the frame structure beneath the tracks;

Fig. 7 is a side view of a portion of the frame on an enlarged scale with parts broken away to show the elevating mechanism;

, Fig. 8 is a sectional view on the line 8-8 of Fig. 7; i i Fig. 9 is a sectional View on the line 9-9 of Fig. 7; I

Fig. 10 is avi'ew partly inside elevation and partly in section of the bracket on which the clutches and clutch controlling devices are mounted, and

Figall is a view partly in plan and partly in section of the parts shown in Fig. 10.

The invention is directed broadly to a filled bag sewing machine wherein the carriage is mounted so as to move back and forth on tracks supported at the upper end of the main frame. On this carriage 1s a sewing head for closing the mouth of the bag, and a motor for actuating the sewing head andgfor propelling the'carriage in one direction; There are two tracks on which the carriage is mounted, but the front track is the main track which carries the weight of the carriage and the parts mounted thereon, so that the machine may,'in effect, be said to be a one-track machine. The sewing head and motor are so mounted on the carriage and positioned relative to this track that the motor counter-balances the sewing head, while. the sewing head overhangsthe main frame of the machine. By

this arrangement of the sewing head, said head may be so disposed that the needle is horizontal and the machine is above the bag as ittravels across thesame for closing the mouth of the bag. The weight of the parts mounted on the carriage are centered close to this front rail of the track. The carriage is propelled along the track in one direction by a .rack bar mounted close to the top of this front rail, and by a pinion engaging said rack bar. The pinion is mounten on a vertical shaft which includes a clutch so that the carriage may be connected to or disconnected from the actuating means therefor. The shaft which carries the pinion for propelling the carriage includes a friction con-- v nection which slipsslightly in the starting of themachine so as to prevent'jerking of the parts, and which can slip if the carriage should strike an obstruction so as to prevent the breakingof the parts. The sewing head is driven from a motor by means of a suitable clutch which is independent of the clutch Which connects the carriage to the motor. These clutches are controlled from a treadle through a bar mounted on the means which supports the tracks and shiftable endwise thereof. This bar, in its endwise movement, also moves sidewise, and the si'dewise movement of the bar presses against the end of a control lever. This control lever operates the clutches, and the operation of the clutches is through'yielding devices which are capable of being adjusted andset in different positions. Through this setting of the clutch operating mechanism, the operator, by depressing the treadle, may arrange the parts so as to accomplish one of three things. F irst,,the simultaneous.starting ofthe sewing head and the actuation of the carriage. Second, the starting of the sewing head while the carriage is standing still. Third, the traveling of the carriage while the sewing head isidle. The tracks and the parts mounted thereon are shiftable toward the front of the machine and away from the front of the machine for positioning the sewing head so that it will overhang the frame of the machine to a greater or less extent. The carriage and the parts carried thereby form a unit which. can be removed from the tracks without requiring the disconnection of thedevices which control the sewing head or the carriage. The tracks are mounted on brackets at the upper part of the main frame and these brackets can he raised or lowered for changing the height of travel of the carriage. The n' eans for raising and lowering the brackets housed in one of the vertical columns which supports the brackets, and thus it is that these parts are kept free from dust and dirt. As

noted above, the carriage is intended to be positively driven in one direction, and that is, during the. sewing of the mouth of the bag. .71 L .i

ii nen die seam is hnlshed WlilCl] closes tile bag, then the clutch which causes the carriage to travel is separated, so as to release the carriage from its actuating means. During the forward .l'l'lOVQlIlGfii] of the carriage, a spring is put under tension, and thus it is that power is stored, so that when the clutch is released which causes the carriage to travel, this stored power is utilized for starting the carriage on its return movement, and the stored power may also be used to press the carriage rearwardly, or to its initial starting position for stitchi. The tracks are slightly inclined .ownwardly toward the initial starting position for stitching.

Referring more in detail to the drawings, the various parts of the i'uachine willbe described under different headings, {3 follows.

Base and frame.

The base of the machine consists of two irons l, mounted on casters 2, and connected by a plate 33, secured thereto by screws 4: to form a platform. Rising from the platform are columns 5. These columns are formed of a main member 6 on which the spacing bars 7 and the cover plates 8 are mounted to form guiding channels .for the members 9 and 10 which support the tracks and the mechanism carried thereby. The main members, spacin bars and cover plates are held together by suitable screws 11 (see Figures 7, 8 and 9). A cross brace 12 is provided to properly space and stiden the upper ends of these columns, thus forming ,a supporting frame for the machine (see Fi 1).

Elevating mechanism;

The members 10 which slide in the rear guiding channels of the column are provided with rack teeth 13 which mesh with the pinions 1-3 keyed on the cross shaft 141; The rear spacing bar in each column is cut away at (see Fig. 7) to provide clearance tor the pinions. Mounted on the cross shaft adjacent the left-hand rear cover plate 8 is pinion. 16 which meshes with pinion 17 mounted on the hand wheel shaft 18 opcratei'l by a hand wheel, 18. On the shatta ratchet Wheel 19, the teeth oi? which are err-- gaged by a pawl. 20 pivotally mounted. on the column. Said pawl is provided with a handle 21 for convenient manipulation. it will be noted that the weight of the tracks and carriage will tend to ronate th shaft 14 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 4, and this in turn, will cause the hand heel shaft 18 to tend to turn in a CO1!ll'tQT-ClQUlOVlSQ directionv which tendency is resisted by the pawl 20. It will also be noted that s train of gearing makes an easily operated and speedy means for vertically adjust the sewing headfwhich is very simple in construction.

It will be noted in Fig. 7 that "he teeth on the member 10 fill up the entire guiding channel and thus prevent the flour or other mate rial being sacked from falling eown and clogging the teeth of the pinions The gear 16 and the pinion 17 are liliewi e protected with a suitable housing (see Tracks.

At the upper end of the meu'ibeis 9 and are angle brackets 23 and 2% which are secured thereto by the screws 25. hflountcd on the upper faces of these brackets are the cross members 26 and 27 which support the tracks and hold theinin aligg'mnent. The cross members are securedto the braclrc by the screws 28 which pass thrmigh the slots 29 in the bracke and screw into the cross members (see Fig. 6). This provides n'ieaus whereby the tracks and carriage may be adjusted laterally at right angles to the path of travel of the carriage so that the line of stitching can. be placed nearer to or "farther from the columns, desired. The cross n'lember 27 is further provided with. four set screws 30 which are used to elevate the rig h an d. end of the track to any desired incl. tion to aid in returning the carriage to the starting position.

Unthe forward end of the cross members is an L-shaped main lilo n'iember 31, which is secured thereto by screws 82 and at the rear end or the or members is a second track 33 secured by screws 34;.

Treadle control.

h the parallel angular slots 08 in the control bar (see Fig. A tension spring 89 tends to pull the bar to the right as viewed in 6. lhe bar is operated by link which, connects it to arm -1, which arm is mounted on the upper pc on of a telescoping rock shaft This upper portion the rock shaft is mounted in a hearing 43 on the bucket- 23 and is secured against endwis movement by a cotter pin located just beneath this bear- The lower section 44 of this rock shaft inside the upper portion and is held engagement therewith by a spline and key oust notion llhis lower portion is mounted in a l caring 4th located on the left-hand base angle and is held against endwise movement in the l caring by a cotter pin. Mounted on this shaft t l: in unediately above this hearing there is an arm 416, the outer end of which engaged by the outer end ot the arm 47 on the trcadle shaft 4:8 (see Fig. 6). This shaft is mounted in the bearings 4-9 1 s ides track weight as much as possible (see Fig. l he main carriage frame has a de i en i.in;.=; member at the rear end thereof to which is secured a roller 60, which roller engages: the rear trecl: member 33. llhere is only one roller and. this is located midway between the wheels 54. The 'arriagje is mounted oi three points and the whee are always i contact with the track and the carriagethus paereiitrul "from rocking. The grooved who rill prevent any late al mo *ement of the cui'riagge. 'llhis main c1 riage frame carries the motor 61 and on the rightdiaud side also carries the brack t 62 on which braclet the "utehes and the controlling: mechanism therel i r are assembled as 2 StIPlHQL'tO unit as shown u Figures 10 and 11.

Sewing head clutch.

ie sewing head pulley ('33 is driven by a belt (i-l which pisses over the idlers 65 nured in the idler hracl iet 66 which id ler bra-iclnit is secured to the top of the Vt l al member 5 the rear end of the bracket 62 and thence aroimd the driven clutch pulley 68. This 1 Jen clutch pulley is freely mounted on the clutch shaft (39 and s provided. with a hush- 1L ing 70 to compcnsz tie, for wear (see l ig. 10).

pulley is fixed to the shaft by a key 7 5 and the nut 76. The driven pulley is brought into and out of'engageinent by the clutch yoke 77, the upper end of which is mounted on a pin 7 8 located in the idler bracket 66, and the clutch yoke is actuated by a rod 79. Mounted on the hub of the driven clutch pulley 68 is a clutch collar 81 and a thrust washer 82. The thrust collar is provided with oppositely disposed pins 83, the inner ends of which engage the groove 84 formed in the hub 80 and the outer ends of which engage the slots 85 in the clutch yoke (see Fig. 11). It will be noted that the inner ends of these pins are so disposed as to act only on one side of the groove 84 and that their only function is to disengage the clutch in which action comparatively little force is required. In bringing the clutch r into engagement where more force is required,

the clutch yoke through the outer ends of the pins 83 forces the clutch collar and thrust washer against the adjacent side of the driven clutch pulley and thus applying the end thrust over a greater surface than would be available if the inner ends of the pins 83 were required to engage as well as disengage the clutch. The shaft 69 is mounted in ball bearings 86 and 87 located in the vertical portions 67 and 68 and the bracket 62 and is held against endwise movement by a nut 89 which tends to force the side of the bearing 8? against the shoulder 90 in the recess in which the bearing is located.

C aw Jaye (Zr-icing mechanism.

Mounted on the upper edge of the main track member on the side adjacent the carriage and extending along the major portion of its length is a rack 91, the teeth of which are engaged by the teeth of the pinion 92. This pinion is provided with a shoulder portion 93 which runs in a bearing 94 and at the end thereof, which projects beyond the bearing is provided with clutch jaws 05. These clutch jaws are engaged by the teeth of the sliding clutch member 96. The sliding clutch member is mounted on the shaft 07 and is provided with spline or keywa-y which on; the key 98 fixed to the shaft and therefore turns with the shaft. The shaft 97 rotates in the bearing 99 formed in the bracket 62 and at its upper end in the pinion 92 and the pinion in turn is journaled in the bearing 94, the shaft in effect is journaled in the bearings 94 and 99. Endwise movement of this shaft is prevented by the thrust collar 100 which is fixed to the shaft by a pin 101 and the lower end of the driving flange 102 which is likewise fixed to the shaft by a pin 103.- The shaft is driven by a worm gear 104 which in turn is driven by a spiral gear 105- on the end of the shaft 69. This worm gear is not connected directly to the shaft but is held in frictional engagement with the faces of the driving flanges 102 and 106 by the nut 107. The driving flange 102 is fixed to a shaft by a pin 103 and the flange 106 is fixed to the shaft by a screw 108 which engages a groove 109 formed in the shaft. To prevent undue wear of the friction surfaces, washers 110 of suitable material such as fibre are located between the adjacent faces of the worm gear and the driving flanges. Thus it will be seen that there is not a positive drive between the shaft 69 and 97. The purpose of this friction drive is two-fold: First, to take up by slippage the shock of starting the carriage along the track, and second, to provide a means which will slip in case'tlie drive-should become obstructed and by such slippage prevent the breakage of parts. Also it will be noted that by adjusting the nut 107 the amount of pressure between the driving flanges and the worm gear can be varied and that wear on the washer 110 can be taken up. A further advantage in this friction drive lies in the fact that the starting of the carriage wit iout undue shock on the driving mechanism is not dependent on the skill of theoperator in operating the foot treadle. In other words, the amount of slippage can be adj usted and will then be uniform regardless ofthe way the foot treadle is operated.

OZu tch operating mechanism.

Mounted on the pivot 111 on the bracket 62 is a lever 112, the lower end of which is provided with a roller 113, which roller is held against the adjacent face of the control bar 35 by the tension spring 114, one end of which is attached to the top of the lever at 115, and at its other end is attached to the l1; Jester 62 by a stud 116. The upper end of this lever engages the sewing head clutch control rod 79 and the carriage traverse or jaw clutch control rod 117, which rods pass through parallel holes in the upper end of the lever. These rods are held in aejustedposition relative to the lever by lock nuts located on either side of the lever and springs 118 are interposed between the lever and one pair of lock nuts on each rod to provide a-fleiiible connection between the lever and each clutch. The action of these springs will be described in connection with the description of the operation of the machine. The rod 117 is attached to the arm 119 of the jaw clutch yoke 120 by a belt 121. This clutch yoke is pivotally mounted at 122 on the bracket 62- and the yoke is provided with projecting lugs 123 which engage the groove 124 of the sliding jaw clutch member 96 on opposite sides thereof and bring it into and out of engagement with the pinion 92. It will be noted that the shafts 69 and 97 together with the clutches and gearing carried thereby and the clutch operating mechanism, are all mounted on the bracket 62 forming a separate unit which is attached to the main frame of the "arriage by the bolts 125.

Carriage traverse control and carriage return.

Sliding in guide blocks 126 and 127 which are mounted beneath the rack 91 and alongside of the main track member 31 is a rod 128 which is surrounded by a compression spring 129. This spring at one end presses against the guide block 1526 and at its other end is attached to the rod 128. The end oi the rod which projects through the block 126 is bent away from the main track member to form a projecting lug 130. The spring as shown in. Fig. 5 is wound with a minimum number of coils to permit a great degree oi compression. The action of this spring and rod is as follows: l/Vhen the treadle is depressed, the sewing head begins to operate and the carriage moves along the track from left to right as viewed from the front oi the machine. As the carriage approaches the end of its travel, the lug 130 of this spring pressed rod is engaged by the bearing 99 (see Fig. on. the L'llIltClllOlilCliUi] 62 and the rod is moved endwise with the carriage, compressing the spring 129. When the treadle is released the power stored in this spring gives the carriage its initial start in returning to the starting position at the left. The tracks are inclined and this incline causes the carriage to return to the starting position by gravity. It will be noted that the use of this spring pressed rod accomplishes two func tions. It permits a smaller degree of incline to be used and it decreases the time necessary for the carriage to return.

Mounted on the horizontal portion of the main track member is a stop block 131 which is provided with a spring 132 projecting; toward the carriage. The free end of this s ring engages the main frame of the carriage when the starting pointreached and acts as a cushion in stopping he carriage. Additional holes 133 in. the main frame mem her are provided so that the starting point may be varied.

On the extreme right-hand end of the main track member a block 134:, the lower face of which is inclined. The purpose of this block is to engage the arm 18:") (see Fig. 10) which projects from the left-hand lug of the clutch yoke 120 and forces the sliding clutch member down out of engagement with the pinion when the carriage reaches the extreme right-hand end of the track and thus pre'ents the carriage from running off the end of the track it by any chance the operator should "forget to release the treadle or the clutch mechanism become obstructed in any way.

Operation of the machine. hen the treadle is depressed, the control bar-'35 through the mechanism connecting it to the treadle is moved to the left as viewed in l 2, and against the force exerted by the spring 39. Due to the angular slots 38, however, the bar also moves bodily to the as viewed in Fig. 8, and this movement causes the ever 112 to move the clutch control rods 1 5) and 1.17 to the right as viewed in Figures 3, 10 and 11, and by this movement, bring the clutches into engagement causing the sewing head to operate and the carriage to move along the tracks.

line or certain conditions, for instance, when sewing narrow bags, it is desirable first to the carriage traverse clutch ring the sewing head up to the bag before ins? to sew and then by further depressthe treadle, to engage the sewinghead c it .1. To accomplish this, the lock nuts djacent the spring 118 on the clutch rod 79 would be adjusted away from the lever 112. Then, when the trcadle is depressed, the lever 112 will] first engage the carriage traverse clutch and then when the treadle is further depressed, the lever will compressthe spring on the clutch rod 117 and engage the spring on the clutch rod 79 and bring the sewing head clutch into engagement.

Under other conditions. especially when sewing bags of greater width than the travel of the sewing head, it desirable'first to start the sewing head and then, by further depressing' t io treadlc, to bring the carriage traverse clutch into operation. To accomplish this, the lock nuts adjacent the spring 118 on the clutch rod 117 would be adjusted farther away from the lover than the similar lock nuts on the clutch rot. 79. \Vith this, adjustment, when the treaulo is partlydepressed, the sew g head clutch will be brought into operation and when the treadle is further depressed, the lever 112, moving to the right as viewed Figures 3, 10 and 1.1, will compress the spring on the hitch rod 79 and bring the car: fro traverse clutchinto operation. The spring 118 on the clutch rod 117 has an additional function which is to make a flexible connection between the treadle and the clutch jaws so that if the teeth on the sliding clutch mrml'ier 96 should come in contact with the flat portion of the end of the pinion 93 between the jaws the spring will bring the clutch into proper cnga gement when the teeth coincide.

Tn the of sieving very small bags, it is found better to leave the sewing head stationary and to allow the feed of the sewing headv to more the bags. To accomplish this, it is only necessary to adj ust the lock nuts on the clutch rod 11'? away from the lever 112 to a point where the lever will not operate the clutch tor the carriage.

From the above, it will be apparent that a filled bag sewing machine has been provided wherein the sewing head can be set so as to travel at different distances from the main framefor stitching bags of different sizes. This lis brought about by adjusting the blocks which support the tracks at the top of the main frame. The bodily shifting of the tracks includes also the shifting of the carriage on which the sewing head and motor are mounted, and it furthermore includes the shifting of the control bar, which shifting does not in any way effect the treadle connection therewith for the reason that this bar is connected by alink to the arm whichis actuated by the treadlei Furthermore, it will be noted that the sewing head which overhangs the front of the machine is counterbalanced by the motor so that the weight of the ,parts carried by the carriage are very nearly equally distributed adjacent the front rail on which the the carriage travels. There are two wheels sup-porting the carriage at the front side thereof, while the wheel at the back of the carriage is mainly for preventing the tilting of thecarriage. The machine is, in substance, a one rail machine, as all the Weight is practicall-y carried the front rail. The power for causing the carriage to move is applied very close to the wheels which support the carriage on the frontrail, and also very close to the center of gravity of the weight which is moved. Inasmuch as the lever which shifts the clutches is merely moved :by the sid-ew-ise movement of the control bar, it is noted that the carriage with the motor and sewing head may be lifted as av unit from the tracks without disturbing any control connections for the actuating parts. It will be noted also that the two clutches, one of which controls the sewing head and the other the carriage, are independent of each other and so controlled that, if desired, these clutches maybe simultaneously closed, or, if desired, the sewing head clutch may be closed first, :and the clutch for causing the motor to actuate the carriage closed at some subsequent time thereafter by further depressing of the treadle. This is useful in sewing extremely large bags where the capacity of the machine is hardly sufiicient for-the carriage to travel across the top of the bag, and therefore, some portion of the bag at the starting must be stitched before the carriage is caused to travel and thus finish the stitchingof the mouth of the bag. Then again, the clutches may be set so as to start the carrier first, when the treadle is depressed a slight distance, and subsequently thereto, the sewing head started by a further depressing of the treadle. This is extremely useful where the bags are relatively small, and therefore, it is desirable to run the carriage for a slight distance before beginning the stitching operation It will be noted also that the carriage is positively'moved durmg the stitching zOf the bag,:after which the actuating mechanism for the carriage is disconnecte-d so that the carriage may be moved back by hand or by gravity, or by stored power, or by stored power and gravity. The last is the preferred form of the present in vention, and this is brought about by the rod being engaged by the carriage and moved therewith, which compresses the spring, and the power stored in the spring during the compressing thereof is utilized to start the carriage on its return, and to facilitate the return of the carriage to its initial starting position for stitching. The track is slightly inclined so that gravity aids in the return of the carriage. It will :be noted also that the tapered block is provided for disconnecting the clutch which operates the carriage, provided the operator fails to depress the trcaclle for stopping the machine when the filled bag is closed. This is to prevent the carriage from being propelled beyond the limit of its travel, and thus causing the jamming or breaking of the part-s.

It is obvious that minor changes in the dc tail-s ofco-nstruction may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what wecla-im as new and desire to secure by Letters-Patent, is

1. ,A tilled bag sewing machine comprising a supporting frame, tracks mounted on said frame, a carriage movable on said tracks, a sewing head and actuating devices for said head carriage mounted on said carriage, said sewing head overhanging the supporting frame, means for supporting said tracks whereby the tracks may be bodily adjusted horizontally transversely of the direction of travel of the carriage tor shifting the path of travel of the sewing head relative to the supporting frame, a control bar for controlling the actuating mechanism for the sowing'hea'd and carriage mounted on and shiftable with said tracks, and treadle actuated devices connected to said control bar for moving the con-trol bar, said last-na1ned devices including a'linlr'connected to the control bar so asito permit the late-ral s hifting of the control bar.

2. A lilled bag sewing machine comprising a supporting frame, tracks mounted on said frame, a carriage movable on said tracks, a sewing head and actuating devices for said head and carriage mounted on said carriage, said sewing head overhanging the supporting fra-me,means 'f=or stuaporting said tracks whereby "the tracks may be bodily adjusted horizontally transversely of the direction of travel of the carriage for shifting the path of travel of the sewing head relative to the supporting frame, said main support including spaced columns each of which is pro-- vided with vertically movable supporting Ill) members on which the tracks are mounted,

means for raising or lowering said vertically movable members, said last-named means including a rack formed on one of said vertirally moving members, at pinion mounted on the lower section ot the support and meshing with said rack, and a hand wheel men ited on said lower section of the support ttlll con nected to said pinion for turnin the same.

3. A filled bag" sewing machine comp ri 'ng. a supporting frame, tracks mounted on st] "frame, a carriage movable on "aid tracks, a sewing head and actuating devices for sale head and carriage mounted on said car-r a 1 said sewing head overhanging the suppo ing frame, means for supporting r-rid tracus whereby the tracks may be bodily adjusted horizontally transversely of the direction of? t avel of the carriage for shifting: the path of travel of the sewinghead 1. ive to tl e supporting frame, said main support including spaced columns, each of which is provided with vertically n'lovuble supporti ,oj members on which the tracks are mounted, means for 'aising or lowering said vertically movable men'ibers, said lastonnned means including a rack formed on one of said vertically moving men'ihers pinion l the s ipport mounted on the lower section o andmeshing with said 21(Jl(,i1il(l:tl mounted on said lower section o port and connected to said pinion the same, said pinion and rack beinn; house.

section of the sui' within the lower :1

e. A filled bag sewingmachine co 1 L a main supporting frame, trucks mcuutrx thereon, a carriage movable on said tracks ascwing head mounted on said carriage and overhanging the supporting frame in iron" ot the tracks, a motor mounted on said carriage, devices actuated by said motor for mo-ving the carriage positively in one direction along, the tracks, said devices .incliu n1;- tion driving means capable slip, I, ing' the starting the carriage or in case of emergency, and a clutch independent;- ot the friction driving means whereby sid actuating; devices may be disconnected -rom the carriage.

5. A tilled bagsewing machine comprisin a 11min supporting; frame, treclts mounted thereon, a carriage movable on said tracks, a sewing head mounted on said carriage and overhanging the supporting frame in :tront of the tracks, a motor mounted on said cerriage, devices actuated by said motor for moving the carriage positively in one dircction alongthe tracks, said devices inclnd fl" friction driving moans capable of slippin during the starting of the :arriage, or in case of emergency, and also av clutch where v said actuating devices may be disconnecteo.

r from the carriage, and independent means r-iewing head may be disconnected from the motor.

6. A tilled beg sewing" machine comprising at main supporting frame, tracks mounted thereon, e, carri'i fe movable on s: d trechs, a sewing head mountml on said ceiri overhanging the supporting}; frame in of the tracks,

w i 1 motor mounteu tch whei by said sewe ing head y b: 1 connected from the motor, and trealle co lied for actua 'ing the chitclier, treadle controlled means in ludinsg' yie vs NY i '11 being ad] ustcd am.

nay be ope ated snnultanocus )enilently.

7. A tilled bo sewi siuaport, traclrs mou. cart 1 ge inrr-mble on sziid tr N lll,( li-lt"-tl on said *arr ao said main st ,mortingr on said carri re, devices ac; tor for positively moving; sai di *ettion along the tracks, eluding a cl itch, devices are 'ua" tor for operating the SGWlP trolled means discrrgagx nectingr, the motor to the means, said tracks bein toward the initial stu inn who *eby said carrir ity when the ole I 8. Aiilledbegsen 'r :ziupgiort, tracks mounted on said su n n'ising a ort, z.- -l :s,z sen mg head my I I dowi-ti war-dry l iport, a carriage movcl' leon sold. tracks, a sewing); head mounted on suid carriage and ()Vfilllhfl gr saidme is iortingrame,a motor men .d on said r "riapg-i, devices irritated by the mmor ely movir said in one di for no L, rection alone; the tracks, inn: a clutch, devices act! for operating the sewin i he:, trolled eans for disenga; Electing the motor to means, d tracks heinr inc towardthe ini/ial site. i in whereby said carr i for stitchby grav- J iurned ity when the clutch is disconne yielding ston shittable to va ions for stoppin the return of the ca 9. A filled beg sewing; n'uich'ne comprising: :1 support, tracks mounted on lid s1? port, a carriage movable on d tracks. a sewing; head mounted on carriageand overhanging: said ain sun ioi cine; frame, it motor mounted on said carriage, devices actuated by the motor for positively moving said carriage in one direction along the tracks, said devices in cludinga clutch, devices actuated by said motor for operating the sewing head, treadle cont-rolled means for disengaging the clutch connecting the motor to the carriage actuating means, said tracks being inclined downwardly toward the initial starting point for stitching whereby said carriage is returned by gravity when the clutch is disconnected, and means in which power is stored during the forward movement of the carriage when moved by the motor for aiding in the starting of the return of the carriage when the clutch is disconnected.

10. A filled bag sewing machine comprising a support, tracks mounted on said support, a carriage movable on said tracks, a sewing head mounted on said carriage and overhanging said imain supporting frame, a motor mounted on said carriage, devices actuated by the motor for positively moving said carriage in one direction along the tracks, said devices including a clutch, devices actuated by said motor for operating the sewing head, treadle controlled means for disengaging the clutch connecting the motor to the carriage actuating means, said tracks being inclined downwardly toward the initial starting point for stitching whereby said carriage is returned by gravit-y when the clutch is disconnected, and means in which power is stored during the forward movement of the carriage when moved by the motor for aiding in the starting of the carriage when the clutch is disconnected, said last-named means being constructed so that the stored power operates during substantially the entire return movement of the carriage to facilitate the return of the carriage by gravity.

11. A filled bag sewing machine comprising a main supporting frame, tracks carried thereby, a carriage movable on said tracks, a sewing head mounted on the carriage, a motor mounted on the carriage, a transverse shaft mounted on the carriage and connected to said motor, a friction clutch mounted on said shaft and including a loose belt wheel connected to the sewing head, a vertical shaft mounted on said carriage, said vertical shaft being geared to said transverse shaft whereby the vertical shaft is actuated thereby, a pinion freely mounted on said vertical shaft, a rack extending lengthwise of the front rail of the track and secured thereto in which said pinion meshes, a. clutch member keyed to said vertical shaft and adapted to engage said pinion for connecting the pinion to the vertical shaft and thus causing the carriage to be operated by the motor.

12. A filled bag sewing machine comprising a main supporting frame, tracks carried thereby, a carriage movable on said tracks, a sewing head mounted on the carriage, a

motor mounted on the carriage, a transverse shaft mounted on thecarriage and connected to said motor, a friction clutch mounted on said shaft and including a loose belt wheel connected to the sewing head, a vertical shaft mounted on said carriage, said vertical shaft being geared to said transverse shaft whereby the vertical shaft is actuated thereby, a pinion freely mounted on said vertical shaft, a rack extending lengthwise of the front rail of the track and secured thereto in which said pinion meshes, a clutch member keyed to said vertical shaft and adapted to engage said pinion for connecting the pinion to the vertical shaft and thus causing the carriage to be operated by the motor, a connection between said vertical shaft and said transverse shaft including members having frictional engagement with each other, whereby the vertical shaft has a certain amount of slippage relative to the transverse shaft during the starting of the carriage and in case the carriage stril es an obstruction.

13. A filled bag sewing machine comprising a supporting frame, tracks mounted thereon, a carriage movable on said tracks, a sewing head mounted on the carriage, a motor mounted on the carriage, a transverse shaft mounted on the carriage and connected to said motor so as to be operated continuously thereby, a friction clutch mounted on said shaft and adapted to be connected thereto, said friction. clutch including a belt pulley connected to the sewing head, a vertical shaft geared to said transverse shaft, a pinion mounted on said vertical shaft and adapted to engage a rack bar mounted on the frame for propelling said carriage in one direction, a clutch for connecting said vertical shaft to said pinion, a transverse bar adapted to close the friction clutch, a swinging lever having an opening through which said bar passes, adjustable nuts on said bar at each side of said lever, a spring between one of said adjustable nuts and the lever, a second transverse bar passing through the opening in said lever, nuts on said second transverse bar on opposite sides of the lever, and a spring between one of said nuts and the lever, both of 'the springs on the bars being on the same side of the lever, an elbow lever connected to the last-named bar and to the clutch on the vertical shaft, whereby when said lever is swung in one direction, it will compress the springs for closing the clutches.

14. A filled bag sewing machine comprising a supporting frame, tracks mounted thereon, a carriage movable on said tracks, a sewing head mounted on the carriage, a motor mounted on the carriage, a transverse shaft mounted on the carriage and connected to said motor so as to be operated continuously thereby, a friction clutch mounted on said shaft and adapted to be connected thereto, said friction clutch including a belt pulley connected to the sewing head, a vertical shaft geared to said transverse shaft, a pinion mounted on said vertical shaft and adapted to engage a rack bar mounted on the frame for propelling said carriage in one direction, a clutch. for connecting said vertical shaft to said pinion, a transverse bar adapted to close the friction clutch, a swinging lever having an opening through which said bar passes, adjustable nuts on said bar at each side of said lever, a spring between one of said adjustable nuts and the lever, a second transverse bar passing through the opening in said lever, nuts on said second transverse bar on opposite sides of the lever, a spring between one of said, nuts and the lever, both of the springs on the bars bein on the same side of the lever, an elbow lever connected to the last-named bar and to the clutch on the vertical shaft, whereby when said lever is swung in one direction, it will compress the springs for closing the clutches, the extent of adjustment of the nuts against which the springs bear being such that the ma be positioned so that the lever, when s iftec will simultaneously close both clutches, or will close either clutch be for the other clutch is closed. I

15. A filled bag sewing machine comprising a support, tracks mounted on said support, a carriage movable on said tracks, a sewing head mounted on said carriage and overhanging said support, devices for moving said carriage along said tracks, devices for operating said sewing head, a motor mounted on said carriage and movable therewith, clutches for connecting and disconnecting said motor to said carriage moving devices and said sewing head operating devices, and treadle operated means for connecting and disconnectin said clutches, said treadle operated means including devices capable of adjustment whereby either clutch may be engaged before the other clutch is engaged or where both clutches may be simultaneously engaged.

16. A filled bag sewing machine comprising a support, tracks mounted on said support, a carriage movable on said tracks, a sewing head mounted on said carriage and overhanging said support, a motor mounted on said carriage, devices actuated by the motor for moving the carriage in one direction along the tracks, said tracks being inclined downwardly toward. the initial starting point for stitching means for varying the amount of inclination of the tracks, means for disconnecting the carriage from the motor so as to permit the same to return by gravity to its starting point, andv means in which power is stored during the forward movement of the carriage when connected to the motor for aiding in the return of the carriage when the clutch is disconnected.

17. A filled bag sewing machine comprising a base, a vertically adjustable frame structure mounted on said base, tracks mounted on said vertically adjustable frame structure,

a carriage movable on said tracks, a sewing head and actuating devices for said head and carriage mounted on said carriage, said sewing head overhanging the frame structure, means for supporting said tracks on said frame structure whereby the tracks may be adjusted bodily horizontally transversely of the direction of travel of the carriage, and treadle actuated devices for controlling the actuating mechanism for the sewing head and carriage including a treadle mounted on said base, a control device mounted on the adjustable frame structure and connected to the actuating mechanism for the sewing head and carriage so as to permit the bodily shifting of the tracks, and means for connecting said control device to said treadle constructed so as to permit the raising and lowering of the adjustable frame without disturbing the treadle connections.

In testimony whereof we aflix our signa-' tures.

NORMAN V. CHRISTENSEN. WALTER M. I-IANNEMAN. 

